Figure 1.--These are three of the winter combination suits offered by Simpson's. Note the ue of the British term rather than the American "union dsuit". |
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Various kinds of winter undewear for boys from 4 to 14 shown in
a Canadian catalog in 1945-46. The store was Simpson's. a major outlet
for family clothing in Canada similar to Eaton's. Most of the examples
are "combinations" (the Canadian and British term for the American
union suit), but one example shows separate undershirts and underpants.
Most of these suits have long sleeves and ankle-length legs for the
Canadian winter, but two of the suits have short legs and short
sleeves. All these suits have flaps in the rear, closed with a single
button--a modern and more grown-up substitute for the three-button drop
seat of earlier models. Most of these "combinations" are made of cotton
but a few have some wool added into the yarns for greater warmth. Many
Canadian boys continued to wear long underwear in the winter pretty
regularly up into the 1970s. Some men still wear "combinations" in
Canada, but boys mostly began wearing separate thermal tops and bottoms
from the mid-1970s onwards.
Simpson's was one of the most important retail stors in Canada. The store was Simpson's. a major outlet
for family clothing in Canada similar to Eaton's. Unfortunately, we have only limited informatiuon at this time on the store. A Canadian reader has provided information on Simpson's. We do not know a great deal about the store, but notice catalogs in the 1920s. Simpson's became Simpson-Sears. Hopefully our Canadian readers will provide us some details about the company.
Various kinds of winter undewear for boys from 4 to 14 shown in
a Canadian catalog in 1945-46.
Most of the examples
are "combinations" (the Canadian and British term for the American
union suit), but one example shows separate undershirts and underpants.
Most of these suits have long sleeves and ankle-length legs for the
Canadian winter, but two of the suits have short legs and short
sleeves. All these suits have flaps in the rear, closed with a single
button--a modern and more grown-up substitute for the three-button drop
seat of earlier models.
Most of these "combinations" are made of cotton but a few have some wool added into the yarns for greater warmth.
The long underwear here was in the 1945-46 catalog. Many Canadian boys continued to wear long underwear in the winter pretty regularly up into the 1970s. Some men still wear "combinations" in Canada, but boys mostly began wearing separate thermal tops and bottoms from the mid-1970s onwards.
Simpson's uses the British term "Combinations" rather than the American term union suit.
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Simpson's offered a range of different underwear choices.
The Simpson's ad copy read, "Brushed Cotton combinations, knit in a stretchy rib designed for a better fit. Warm and comfortable because of long sleeves and legs with ribbed cuffs and ankles. Seams are flat-locked. In Natural shade. Age sizes 4 to 14 years. 23-538—Suit 99 cents.
The Simpson's ad copy read, "Heavy Weight combinations knit from warm long wearing Cotton Wool yarns. Full button-front style with long sleeves and ankle-length legs. Smooth flat-sewn seams will stand repeated laundering. Cream. Ages sizes 4 to 16 years. 23-539—Suit 89 cents."
The Simpson's ad copy read, "25% Wool combinations with added Cotton and Rayon cross stripes for extra length and durabiolity. Long sleeves and legs with snug fit by ribbing at wrists and ankles. All seams are flat sewn. Cream shade. State correct size. Age sizes 4 to 14 years. 23-540—Suit $1.49."
The Simpson's ad copy read, "Heavy Weight combinations knit from Cotton Jersey yarns with a comfortable fleece lining. Cut in full sizes with long sleeves and legs. Seams are flat-sewn and well reinforced to stand many washings. Random [color]. Age sizes 4 to 14 years. 23-541—Suit 89 cents."
The Simpson's ad copy read, "Fleece Line Combinations knit from strong Cotton Jersey yarns. Extra warm and amply cut for comfort. Long sleeves and legs are ribbed at wrists and ankles. Seams are flat-locked and reinforced. Random shade. Age sizes 4 to 14 years. 23-542—Suit 89 cents."
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The Simpson's ad copy read, "Warm combinations knit from staple Cotton yarns and brushed to a soft finish for comfort and extra warmth. Short sleeves and legs provide action-freedom. Flat-locked seams are rip-proof, have no ridges. Natural. Ages sizes 4 to 14 years. 23-546—Suit 89 cents."
The Simpson's ad copy read, "Shirt knit from good weight Cream Cotton yarns. Has short sleeves. Age sizes 4 to 14 years. 23-544—Each 59 cents. Matching Shorts of Cream Cotton yarns. All-around Lastex waist and fly front. Ages sizes 4 to 14 years. 23-545—Pair 59 cents."
The Simpson's ad copy read, "Knee Length Combinations of 25% Wool yarns reinforced with strong Rayon-and-Cotton. Flat-sewn seams prevent ripping, have no uncomfortable ridges. Roomy sizes allow for slight shrinkage in washing. Cream shade. Be sure to state size. Age sizes 4 to 14 years. 23-543—Suit $1.69."
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